[1982 Code § A122-1]
These rules and regulations shall apply in any case where the initial cost of all trees planted by the Commission, the cost of planting the same and the cost of the posts and boxes or guards used for the protection thereof are to be charges upon the real estate in front of which such tree or trees shall be planted as an improvement thereof.
[1982 Code § A122-2]
If, at any regular or special meeting of the Shade Tree Commission, the majority of the members of the Commission present at such meeting proposes that the cost of trees to be planted by the Commission, the cost of planting the same and the cost of the posts and boxes or guards used for the protection thereof are to be paid for by the owners of the real estate upon which the trees are to be planted, then the following procedure shall be followed:
a. 
The Commission shall set the time and place for formal consideration of the proposal, at which time the objections to the proposal shall be heard, testimony received and final determination made.
b. 
The Secretary of the Commission shall give notice of the time and place of the formal meeting to consider the proposal by publishing at least once, and not less than 20 days before the meeting, in a newspaper circulating in the municipality a notice thereof or by personally serving a copy of the notice upon the abutting owners at least 10 days before the scheduled meeting.
c. 
The notice shall specify the street, streets or portions thereof on which the plantings are proposed and shall require all persons who may object thereto to present their objections, in writing, at the office of the Commission or to the Secretary, whichever may be the most convenient, at or before the meeting.
d. 
At the scheduled meeting all objectors who have filed written notice of their objection at or before the meeting shall be heard. All objectors may be represented by counsel and may offer evidence and testimony. All objectors shall have the right of full examination and cross-examination of any witnesses.
e. 
The order of the meeting may be as follows:
1. 
Call to order by the Chairman.
2. 
Roll call of members.
3. 
Reading and approval of minutes of the last meeting.
4. 
Statement by the Chairman of the purpose of the meeting.
5. 
Hearing of all objectors.
6. 
Receiving of testimony and/or evidence.
7. 
Summation and argument by objectors.
8. 
Consideration of the proposal.
9. 
Vote upon the proposal.
f. 
The meeting to hear objectors may be adjourned on notice to all objectors.
[1982 Code § A122-3]
Such costs, if it is so determined that they are to be paid by the owner, shall be paid to the Borough of Frenchtown or certified by the Commission to the Collector of Taxes and shall thereafter become and be a lien upon the real estate and shall be included in the next tax bill rendered to the owner or owners and be collected in the same manner as other taxes against the property. All meetings and hearings of the Commission shall be public. All deliberations of the Commission shall be public.
[1982 Code § A122-4; Ord. No. 686 § 4]
If the Commission determines that a shade tree as defined herein or plant of any kind on private property affects public safety, then the property owner shall receive notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to abate the problem as described in the notice within the number of days specified in the notice, the number of days to be determined by the imminence of the situation, or the work will be performed by a contractor engaged by the Commission at the property owner's expense which, if not paid within a reasonable time, may be assessed against the property as provided by law.
[1982 Code § A122-5]
The Commission may issue a permit for the removal of any fallen tree on public property. The permit shall be good for only one tree. The fee for the permit shall be $25 which shall be paid prior to the issuance of the permit. A copy of the permit shall be retained by the Commission, identifying the tree to be removed and containing a general release to the Shade Tree Commission and Borough of Frenchtown signed by the permit holder. The permit shall include a statement that the permit holder agrees to clean up and remove all leaves, twigs, branches and debris from the area of the fallen tree.
[1982 Code § A122-6]
The Commission shall have exclusive authority, as provided by law, to remove any tree on public property along any street or other public way and to assess all or any portion of the cost of removal to the immediately adjoining property owner.
[Added 6-5-2024 by Ord. No. 919]
a. 
Tree maintenance information. The Shade Tree Commission shall provide information about trees to the public. This information will include, but not be limited to, proper planting and trimming practices, fertilizing, treatment and prevention of diseases and pests and general maintenance of trees.
b. 
Recommended shade tree list. The Commission will also maintain a publicly available recommended shade tree list. The list will identify native species and will recommend their use where, when or if the species is appropriate, available, and best for a particular location.
c. 
Interagency coordination. The Commission may also participate in and coordinate with other agencies, commissions, and organizations to raise awareness of the importance of supporting an ecologically balanced and biodiverse urban forest.